Approach and phases Phase 1 (2006) During this 'Speerpunt’s orientation phase (August – December 2006) the following activities were completed: Definition study and work plan development: developing an analytical framework (see figure 1), determining research approach and associated steps, choosing the landscape functions and (eco)systems that will be the main focus of this 'Speerpunt' (e.g. grid approach and metropolitan landscapes); Start academic article: developing a vision for the relationship landscape quality and function and identifying knowledge gaps; Take inventory of WUR expertise for the SELS themes: creating an overview of WUR expertise in relation to the key research question 1 – 5; Select pilot studies: investigating the possibility to link the SELS research questions to existing research, and co-financing a number of pilot studies financed by the SELS budget; Identify a number of PhD-programmes: examining the research questions in greater detail and using them as a binding agent between the SELS projects.     Phase 2 (2007) The idea to develop five PhD-programmes was an important outcome of phase 1, which would allow for the whole breadth of this 'Speerpunt' (see figure 1) to be covered. By linking these PhD-programmes to actual projects (partly existing projects and other projects that will be initiated by SELS), will allow for efficient use of the limited resources and will promote cooperation within the SELS Framework. To strengthen this cooperation and to ensure that it is embedded in the organisation, the following five theme groups have been formulated. Quantifying the relationship between landscape characteristics and functions, indicating the threshold values for derived goods and services, and providing a spatial presentation; Valuing landscape function: the added value of ‘green and blue’ landscape functions for individuals and society, including ecological, economical and socio-cultural aspects; Developing evaluation methods for planning alternatives in relation to landscape functions to optimise multi-functional spatial use, e.g. cost-benefit analyses that included social and environmental components; Developing research methods to design and manage the green – blue environment, that considers threshold values and the resilience of landscape functions; Developing financing mechanisms for the conservation and sustainable management of landscape functions.   Alongside of the further development of these theme groups and the related PhD courses, a number of other activities will be carried out in phase 2 (2007): Complete definitions study and academic article that are focused on how academic information on ecosystem and landscape services can contribute to improved agenda-setting and decision-making; Select and execute a number of case studies that are linked to the above-mentioned themes and the related PhD programmes; Complete expertise scan and promote SELS-network at WUR: a Wageningen-wide “Platform for Landscape & Ecosystem services’ will be established and a WUR symposium on this Spotlight is planned at the end of 2007; Improve national cooperation and activities; this will be achieved through i.e. participation in the Platform Nature Valuing and Financing. In March 2007 the Platform organised a Knowledge Agenda-setting Day in cooperation with LNV-DK to enhance financial mechanisms.        Expected results In summary, we expect the following academic output: An overview article on the academic expertise needed to use landscape services as nature objectives in spatial  planning; A draft article for each of the five themes on state-of-the-art developments; Articles produced by the PhD programmes and the case-studies; Presentations at symposiums and workshops based on the case-studies; An academic symposium on ecosystem and landscape services, based on and organised by the five theme groups.